Plastic Container Blog

GRSI is introducing a comprehensive packaging solution, called FastTrak® P.I.  THis software makes packaging integration easy by “gluing” material handling equipment and subsystems from any provider into one integrated unit.  You can read more about this here.

GRSI FastTrak® P.I. Software Takes on Packaging Integration in Full Stride
One of the most frequently asked questions by companies purchasing new or used warehouse equipment is, “Will the equipment function correctly with my warehouse system?” GRSI removes this uncertainty with comprehensive warehouse systems integration and substantial work experience. From order picking to shipping sortation, all packaging and material handling equipment and processes are streamlined and controlled by GRSI’s FastTrak® P.I., packaging integration, software suite.
Conshohocken, PA, April 03, 2008 –(PR.com)– FastTrak® P.I. (packaging integration) fulfills previously neglected packaging needs with total warehouse equipment and systems integration.

Having trouble finding a company that integrates any branded packaging equipment, material handling equipment, PLCs, and WMS’ into a streamlined warehouse system? Until now, every distribution and operations manager had only one answer, a frustrated yes. GRSI is taking the initiative to relieve their headaches by introducing a comprehensive packaging integration solution, FastTrak® P.I.

FastTrak® P.I. software suite makes packaging integration easy. The software “glues” diverse packaging and material handling equipment and subsystems from any provider into one integrated unit. In addition, the software integrates this unit to any WMS or ERP host system with single-port connectivity. The result reduces labor intensive tasks, increases order throughput, maximizes system uptime, and allows the synched equipment to run at its full potential.

One of the most frequently asked questions by companies purchasing new or used warehouse equipment is, “Will the equipment function correctly with my warehouse system?” GRSI removes this uncertainty with comprehensive warehouse systems integration backed by substantial work experience. GRSI’s engineers and technical team meticulously evaluate each client’s system, specific needs, budget, and expectations to develop the most effective solution. Once the solution is conceived, GRSI assembles custom-built modules and applications to integrate all the necessary equipment and meet client requirements. Each client is then educated and trained to handle the routine operations of their system. In addition to systems training, GRSI also offers 24×7x365 technical support.

GRSI’s strategic partnerships with packaging and material handling equipment providers have led to many successful installations often exceeding client’s expectations. GRSI’s growth is from developing these relationships, along with the willingness to understand new and emerging technologies and markets.

Not all businesses have the same needs, nor do all businesses desire the same outcome. Consequently, it is necessary for each business to have their needs analyzed and evaluated by an experienced company with a customized solution.

For more information, visit GRSI online at http://www.grsinc.com/ or email solutions@grsinc.com.

After reading this article, I learned about the different recycling codes on plastic containers.  Go here to read the article and learn more.

Information on plastic.

Mar. 30th, 2008 at 10:37 AM

If you look at plastic containers before you buy, just check out the code inside the recycle symbol. It will tell you what kind of impact this product will have on the environment:

Code 1: Safe for use, recyclable
Code 2: Safe for use, recyclable
Code 3: Could leech dangerous plasticizers, not recyclable
Code 4: Safe for use, recyclable at plastic bag recycle centers
Code 5: Safe for use, recycled with some road side programs
Code 6: Could leech plasticizers and carcinogenicities, not recyclable
Code 7 PC: Unknown content, not recyclable
Code 7 PLA: Safe for use, can be safely composted

I would ask that everyone try to make a concerted effort to purchase products that are packaged with Code 7 PLA if they can not avoid plastic all together. For ease of use, here are some links where Code 7 PLA products can be cheaply ordered for your disposable needs:

http://pacresourcegroup.com/
http://www.worldcentric.org/store/bioplastics.htm

Please encourage businesses you work for, and people you know, to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.

I learned that as a result of a few acquisitions within the industry, combined with strong organic growth, Sonoco is expecting a large increase in sales in 2008.  You can read more about this here.

Sonoco Releases 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders

Company’s Annual Meeting Scheduled for April 16, 2008

HARTSVILLE, S.C.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sonoco (NYSE: SON), one of the largest diversified global packaging companies, today announced that its 2007 Annual Report to Shareholders is now available on the Company’s Web site at http://www/sonoco.com/, in the investor relations section. The annual report entitled, “Progress Forward,” reviews Sonoco’s record financial performance in 2007 and provides an overview of the Company’s strategy to accelerate profitable growth over the next five years.

“We have made significant progress during the past five years in achieving our goal to grow the size and scope of Sonoco while building long-term value for our shareholders,” Harris E. DeLoach, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, wrote in his letter to shareholders in the 2007 Annual Report. “Our strategy to accelerate profitable growth during the next five years is called “Progress Forward.” The key steps of this strategy include: providing average annual double-digit total returns to our shareholders; achieving profitable sales growth through improved organic sales development; geographic expansion; providing total solutions to our consumer product company customers; developing new products and services and making strategic acquisitions; attaining superior returns on investment and equity; maximizing cash flow from operations; and improving execution by having the right people in the right jobs.”

The cover of the annual report has a photo showing vibrant, brand-defining extrusion blow-molded containers that are produced at Sonoco’s Matrix Packaging plant in Addison, Ill. Acquired by Sonoco in May 2007, Matrix Packaging is a leading North American manufacturer of custom-designed, blow-molded rigid plastic containers produced at seven plants in the United States and Canada. As a result of this and other acquisitions, along with strong organic growth, Sonoco is projecting sales of rigid plastic containers are expected to increase to nearly $300 million in 2008, a five-fold gain over 2006 levels.

Sonoco has mailed the 2007 annual report and proxy statement to its shareholders in preparation for its annual meeting which will be held on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at the Center Theater, 212 North Fifth Street, Hartsville, S.C., beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. For those unable to attend the meeting in person, a live webcast of the meeting can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sonoco.com/, under the “Latest News” section. Those planning to participate should plan to connect to the live webcast at least ten minutes prior to the start. The meeting webcast also will be archived on the Investor Information section of Sonoco’s Web site.

This article offers tips for using and shipping plastic totes and how to re-use them after the move.  You can read this article here.

PersonalProperty Office offers tips for moving, shipping plastic totes

By:JPPSO NE

When preparing for an upcoming Permanent Change of Station (PCS) move, there are certain things that need to be considered when shipping plastic totes.

Many people have invested a considerable amount of time and money getting organized prior to an upcoming move, and as a result, have accumulated plastic totes. Customers should be aware that these containers can be used when relocating. Just make sure that these simple rules are followed.

Since there is no “packed by owner” permitted on military shipments, and the carrier assumes liability for whatever they pack, the carrier has the right to inspect all items and should be using the appropriate carton(s) to pack all items (i.e., clothes go in wardrobe boxes), thereby affording items the proper protection. Shipping offices should ensure that items are shipped in sealed cartons for stacking in trucks/crates and avoid pilferage. Therefore, one of two things must occur:

You can let the carrier pack all contents in cartons and then stack the totes/tubs separately for onward movement. If you elect to provide an already-packed tote/tub, the carrier will then inspect it and decide to either empty the tote/tub and place its contents in a carton, or ship the tote/tub as is with contents. It will be the carrier’s responsibility to ensure the tote/tub is adequately protected for safe movement. Tape may not be placed directly on the tote/tub. The intent is that at no time will any adhesive touch the tote/tub.

The above decision is at the carrier’s discretion. Service members/employees cannot insist that the contents must remain in the tote/tub, since the carrier assumes liability for the tote/tub and the contents.

Additionally, when items are destined for permanent storage, non-temporary storage (NTS), the use of plastic containers (Rubbermaid or similar) shall not be used.

If you have any questions regarding the movement of totes, ask your personal property counselor, or contact JPPSO-NE at (800) 235-7776, (781) 377-7627 or DSN 478-7627. For additional valuable information, visit the Air Force Move Web site at http://afmove.hq.af.mil/.

 I realize the impact that this new bulk container may have.  It is a 48 x 40 in. footprint of a pallet which may allow professionals to eliminate pallets.  You can read more about this here.

Bulk Container shares footprint with most common pallet type.

March 12, 2008 - Rotationally molded of 100% polyethylene, reusable Ship Shape(TM) Bulk Container features 48 x 40 in. footprint, enabling professionals to eliminate pallets and unitize loads. Container also eliminates potential for phytosanitation contamination and supports environmental efforts to safeguard forest resources and minimize landfilling of failed pallets. Providing lift truck access from 2 sides, container is weatherproof and impervious to chemical attack, rust, and corrosion.

After reading this article I learned that the material handling market is expected to reach $104 billion in sales by 2010.  You can read the entire article here.

Material Handling Market to Reach $104 Billion by 2010

Edited by: MHM Staff

SAN JOSE, Calif.—The global material handling market is expected to reach $104 billion in sales by 2010, according to a new report by Global Industry Analysts Inc.

The research firm noted several trends affecting growth of material handling equipment and software, including the tendency toward integration of material handling systems with procurement systems, manufacturing management systems and shipping operations; increasing demand for equipment to handle small packages from the electronic retail sector; and innovation, ergonomics, safety and environmental concerns. In addition, the research firm indicated that emerging trends in the lift truck market, along with innovations, continue to redefine the material handling business.

“Globalization has set the trend for outsourcing and ongoing industrialization in developing nations, thereby resulting in emergence of new low-cost equipment manufacturers, particularly in Asian nations,” according to Global Industry Analysts. The Asia-Pacific region is projected to record sales of $25 billion in 2009.

However, the research firm projects that Europe and the U.S. will be leading regional markets for material handling equipment, capturing about 55% of the worldwide sales by 2010. Demand for industrial trucks and lifts, in particular, is expected to exceed $7 billion by 2010 in the U.S.

“Advanced and automated equipment such as automated guided vehicles, robots; and software and other services such as project management and system design are expected drive growth and sales in the overall market,” according to Global Industry Analysts. “Apart from enhancing productivity, such equipment can be easily integrated into automated factory and warehouse environments.”

The report, entitled “Material Handling Equipment: A Global Strategic Business Report” analyzes recent past, current and future market data and analytics from 2001 to 2010, historical data (1991-2000) and long-term projections (2011-2015). Demand patterns are quantified across the U.S., Canada, Japan, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Latin America.

The research reviews major players in the material handling equipment market and analyzes the markets for conveying equipment; industrial trucks and lifts; hoists, cranes and monorails; and automated material handling equipment.

For more details, visit http://www.strategyr.com/Material_Handling_Equipment_Market_Report.asp

After reading this article here, you will know if the Material Handling Industry is right for you.

Reading, writing and materials handling

March 13, 2008

In the summer of 2006, an article in The Wall Street Journal caught my eye. The thrust of the piece was that the biggest challenge facing American industry wasn’t a lack of jobs. It was finding enough workers with the right combination of book smarts and skills for today’s automated, computerized and quality-focused plants, especially in the South where more and more factories are relocating.

As I started talking to materials handling equipment manufacturers, their customers, and educators, I discovered a new reality cutting across manufacturing: Gone are the days when a kid who knew how to turn a wrench could walk out of high school and into the factory down the block. Today, that same kid needs to understand PLCs, lean principles and continuous improvement. At the same time, the number of skilled workers retiring from the workforce far exceeds the number of young workers with the skills to replace them.

According to Allan Howie, director of continuing education and professional development for the Material Handling Industry of America, that same phenomenon is at work in the distribution center, where a good man (and woman) is getting hard to find (my apologies to Flannery O’Connor).

So what’s going on?

Howie tells me two phenomena are at work. First, all spectrums of the materials handling industry are evolving. “The OEMs tells us they need skilled personnel to design, manufacture and integrate their equipment,” says Howie. “And as systems become more complex and automated, the end users tell us they need employees who can operate and maintain the systems.”

Meanwhile, our industry has an image problem when it comes to attracting young people with that kind of know-how: Too many people think we’re still about back-breaking physical labor.

“We really need to make it clear to folks who are contemplating entering the industry that we’re about more than moving boxes and pallets manually,” says Howie. “If they’re adaptable and want to learn the business, there is a real career path here.”

For that reason, MHIA is working with business, guidance counselors and educators to develop the curriculum and talent the materials handling industry will need in the future.

One of the first programs to bear fruit is taking place in four high schools in the Chicago area. Launched three years ago with a sophomore class, the kids learn the reading, writing and arithmetic skills they’ll need to compete today. As they get closer to graduation, they move into a work-study environment, working on the job with a mentor who can show them the ropes.

“The student gets a chance to see what the industry is like on a day-to-day basis, and the employer providing the mentoring opportunity can see if these are students they want to hire after graduation,” says Howie.

In addition to the schools in Chicago, MHIA is talking to high schools in Miami and Long Beach, California, about implementing programs.

Will it work?

Howie says we’ll soon see, as the first senior class is about to graduate in Chicago. He has high hopes, both for these kids and what they represent. “We want to provide skilled people to our members and the user public,” he says. “That’s our education mission.”

This is an issue, by the way, that I think is important and plan to explore each month through the rest of the year. So, help me out and let me know if your company running into a skill shortage on the job? If so, post a comment below and tell me how you’re coping with employment education issues. 

After reading this article, I wonder how many other bottling companies will follow suit and switch from glass to plastic containers?  You can read the article in entirety here.

Bottling company invests in recyclable materials

Friday March 14 2008
by Precious Mills

In this modern day and age, technology is ever-growing and the St. Kitts Bottling Company Ltd has recognised the trend of advanced innovations. In January, the manufacturing firm announced and carried out its decision to bottle its beverages in plastic containers, departing from over fifty years of using glass.

The SUN visited the manufacturing organisation where an interview session was held with Chief Executive Officer Ancel Sookhai, Mobile sales Supervisor Cleopatra Lake and Marketing Manager Keithly Phillip. In addition, the visit included a tour of the modern assembly line of the newly plastic bottled beverages.    

Sookhai explained that the switch from glass to plastic comes at as a need when the company has to compete effectively in the market. He said the new bottle containers change the way the products are presented to consumers.

In addition, he praised the national identity of the products, highlighting the St. Kitts/Nevis national flag on the bottles.

The SUN understands that keeping up with the technology trend interweaves with the benefit of the employees and overall success of the St. Kitts Bottling Company. According to Sookhai, the company had to ensure that it took the step for the secured future of the company and employees to “the best of our ability.”

Sookhai told the SUN that the bottling company now has greater export advantage. He said there are no returned products and export is cheaper. He said that the new change benefits the Federation on a whole since the company will be able to generate more foreign exchange.

The company observed that glass bottled drinks are prohibited at certain public functions, since the containers could be used in violent attacks. This influenced its decision to change from bottle to glass. The SUN inquired about the marketability of the drinks in plastic opposed to glass.

The chief executive officer outlined that the glass bottles are indeed dangerous, noting that the company had refused to ever distribute the drinks in schools, for the safety of the children. He did acknowledge that marketability is one of the advantages of the plastic bottled beverages.

The marketing manger said drinking from plastic bottles is much safer. He said the bottles can be recapped for a sanitised storage of the beverages. He said the re-sealable containers uphold the integrity of the firm.

He added that the locally bottled beverages are of an international standard and the company adheres to world class quality, complying with the total Coco Cola quality regulations. He said the bottling firm has adopted the standards for other drinks as well.

Newly plastic drinks include Coca Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Sparkle (Soda and Tonic Water). The Aquavita water was always bottled in plastic. St. Kitts Bottling Company Ltd is located at Buckley’s Site.

IBCs (generally referred to as intermediate bulk containers) are often relied on by manufacturers and distributors of a wide variety of liquid products because of the tanks’ uniform size and shape.  The IBCs help maximize efficiency and cost savings.  You can read the entire article here.

Metano forecasts IBC rental hike

PERRINEVILLE, NEW JERSEY   March 10, 2008   Economic News

(PRLEAP.COM) As leading economic indicators continue their descent, more and more companies will turn to rental agreements to help keep costs in check, predicts Tom Wilkins, president of Metano IBC Services, Inc.

“When the economy dips, stainless steel tank rentals always increase,” he said, adding that the reasons are clear.

“With the economy becoming increasingly uncertain, our customers appreciate the greater budgeting flexibility they achieve by renting IBCs,” Wilkins said.

Manufacturers and distributors of a wide variety of liquid products rely on intermediate bulk containers, commonly referred to as IBCs, because the tanks’ uniform size and shape help maximize efficiency and cost savings.

But fewer companies are willing to purchase stainless steel tanks outright, when they don’t know how quickly they can recoup their investment in new equipment.

“IBC providers also are willing to structure longer rental terms to accommodate certain customer needs,” Wilkins said. “This allows the customer to acquire more IBC containers, if needed, or to use the cost-savings in other areas of their business.”

Wilkins’ recently published article on ezinearticles.com details further benefits of renting intermediate bulk containers, a trend that will only continue to grow if the economy worsens.

Based in New Jeresy, Metano IBC Services, Inc., is a long-time leader in the stainless steel IBC rental and services market.

Wilkins can be contacted via phone (800.634.4128).